WEST HAVEN >> Fall has arrived — and with it the 13th annual West Haven Apple Festival, a local autumn tradition, which begins Friday afternoon on the Green and will continue all day Saturday and Sunday.

The festival, which draws up to 15,000 visitors some years, began years ago as the Ye Olde Church Fair.

It is organized each year by members of the First Congregational Church. It features live entertainment, amusements, fresh apples, pies and an array of more savory foods, as well as sales of old goods, new goods and handmade crafts.

Over the years, the festival has grown to include participation by a wide cross-section of the community beyond the church.

The Apple Festival Committee donated more than $10,000 to various local charities last year and plans to do so again this year, Liscio said.

In addition to the obvious attractions, visitors can shop the White Elephant Sale, a book sale, a craft sale, a bake sale and a raffle table, Liscio said. For kids, there will be inflatable amusements, face painting, games and crafts.

Admission and parking are free.

The festival begins Friday with food trucks from Cappetta’s and 744 Express, desserts from Louise’s Bakery and entertainment by Tim Borer and Brian Reichart of Panacea Brothers at 5:30 p.m., followed by Tony V., Sound Affect and Jackson’s Island.

Also on Saturday, the Annawon Lodge will host the Children’s Identification Program from noon to 5 p.m.

Featured foods Saturday and Sunday will include fried dough, hot dogs, hamburgers, French fries and fresh baked desserts by Louise’s Bakery. It also will includes “old favoreites” from Rita’s, North Haven Creamery, New Haven Kettle Corn and candied and caramel apples from Phil Krowiack and family of First Lutheran Church.

On Sunday, the festival will begin at noon with the national anthem sung by Grace Kelly, followed by Devont’e Campbell, Jess Plude with Lena Hildrich, The Ellwoods, Acoustic Crew, Alec Chambers and Interstate Underground.

The West Haven Rotary Club will sponsor the Amber Alert Program in Fellowship Hall.

There will be an Entertainment and Children’s Fun Area sponsored by Premier Subaru, Premier Kia, the University of New Haven, Watson Inc., Joseph and Ana Rodrigues McDonald’s Restaurants, Harry Garafalo Shop Rite Stores and the West Haven Funeral Home.

The Apple Festival actually began some 50 years ago as what then was known as the “Ye Olde Church Fair,” according to Liscio.

But just over a decade ago, the Rev. Kimball Cartwright suggested that perhaps the church “ought to do something more than just a church fair” and make it something community-minded, Liscio has said.

For years, the festival used to be in October. But organizers moved it earlier in the calendar three years ago after the demise of the West Haven Italian Street Festival.

Hours are 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. For a complete list of entertainment and activities, including times, go to www.westhavenapplefest.com.